NEW DELHI: Aston Villa secured a 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, thanks to a goal from defender Pau Torres, which maintained Unai Emery's team in fifth place in the Premier League standings.
Wolves took the lead in the 53rd minute when the in-form Hwang Hee-chan tapped in a cross from Pedro Neto, marking his fifth goal of the season. Hwang Hee-chan made history by becoming the first Wolves player to be directly involved in a goal in five consecutive Premier League home games.
However, Wolves' lead was short-lived as Pau Torres managed to steer a cross from Ollie Watkins into the net just two minutes later, leveling the score.
Despite Mario Lemina's late red card for Aston Villa due to two yellow cards, Villa had opportunities to secure a late win, but ultimately settled for the draw. Wolves moved up to 14th place in the Premier League standings.
With the numerical advantage after Lemina's red card, Wolves had a chance to push for a victory, but Ezri Konsa had an opportunity to win it for Aston Villa before Watkins hit the post in stoppage time.
"It's a derby, I think we felt it on the pitch," Emery said. "There are a lot of Aston Villa supporters with us to make a good atmosphere.
"Scoring first they were feeling very good and it's difficult to get back in the match. In 90 minutes more or less the result was fair. We had more chances and controlled the match. They had less chances to score than us. Here to win is very difficult."
Wolves are unbeaten in their last six league games against Villa, their second longest such run against their Midlands rivals.
"I think the points return has been good for the games we have had. The fixtures were tough," Wolves boss Gary O'Neil told the BBC.
"In general, we are in a good spot points return wise. The last two games have looked a lot more like how we prepped for. Some progression and a lot of work to do."
(With Reuters inputs)
